The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education ("Commission") was created in 1965 to establish standards for the training and certification of peace officers, reserve law enforcement officers, and county jailers; to provide for proper training of peace officers and county jailers; and to conduct research and consultation aimed at improving law enforcement management. The training and certification standards adopted by the Commission were voluntary until 1969, when the legislature made them mandatory.

Today, the Commission develops and enforces minimum qualifications for the selection, training, and licensing/certification or peace officers, reserve law enforcement officers, county jailers, armed public security guards employed by political subdivisions and by the state, certain homeowner insurance inspectors, crime prevention inspectors, telecommunications personnel; and peace officers who incorporate investigative hypnosis in the investigation of criminal cases. The Commission regulates its licensees by developing training and continuing education programs, licensing and evaluation training academies and their instructors, administering licensing examinations, and investigating possible violations of the Commissionís authorizing statute. Operations are funded by a fee charged to all persons convicted of a criminal offense in Texas.

Chapter 415 of the Government Code gives the Commission its authority. Section 415.010, General Powers, Texas Government Code, states that the Commission may adopt rules for the administration of this chapter.

The Commission on Law Enforcement will initiate this plan September 10, 1998.